Hi Eli. Welcome to the group.
Don't be too discouraged by 50MPG (US).
I have a friend with a 2000 who drives predominantly in the city - short trips - several per day. His long term average for 160,000 KMs is 4.2 l/100km (55 mpg US). In the same weather and geography and also at 160,000 Kms, my long term average is 3.5 l/100km (67 mpg US).
I have the benefit of a straight shot out of the city on a major street followed by 25 km of secondary highway at 90km/hr in my daily commute.
Your little car is working for a living and as someone mentioned it's likely still getting almost double the milage that any other machine on the road can deliver in those circumstances.
Getting the service manual (I bought mine from the Honda dealership) is a great thing. I've done all of my own service work since the 70,000 KM mark. The car seems to be quite durable, but not indestructable. In spite of all its special features, underneath it is still a Honda and should give you a lot of miles.
I don't know what you'll be carrying around, but remember that the rear suspension is on the weak side and the total carrying capacity is two people and a briefcase
When my wife and I stop for groceries on the way home there are a few bumps and dips in the road that will bottom the rear suspension.
You're going to be pushing the envelope in a direction that not many of us go. Be sure to let us know how things are going from time to time.
Bill
